Sunday, November 22, 2009

Footing

“…stand firm…” “be strong and immovable.” 1 Corinthians 15:1, 58

"Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause its all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you’ve had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you stand,
Then you stand"

(Rascal Flatt's "Stand")

Interesting that Paul starts and ends this chapter with a reference to our footing. Much content that has found it's way to the table of debate and discussion fills the 56 verses inbetween.

When struggles come how sure is your anchor? Sometimes storms come to see if you’re sea-worthy. A ship is sent out, not to see if it will sink, but float. Trials come, not to necessarily test our faith, but to see if we have faith. Paul gives voice to this in 1 Corinthians 15:34, “For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.”

We are being admonished here to not give in under pressure and not give up our faith. The resource for standing firm is available to us. God’s Word says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear, but with the temptation will make a way of escape that you may be able to bear it.” God Himself is our Resource. He will supply the strength to stand firm and be strong and immovable.

Does anything we experience exceed the power of God? Standing firm and holding ground is most often not a physical battle, but a mental and spiritual conflict. God’s power is the same during times of crisis and times of calm. As Christ followers we know that something within us is immoveable.

Stand firm, giving loyalty to Truth.



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1 comment:

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Storms coming to see if we, in fact, have any faith at all! Great point, Joy. How many times in my life have I been confronted with the storm, only to realize that my faith, if present, is wobbly at best.

Placing my feet at the foot of the cross this day--the only soil worthy of anchor...

peace~elaine